Bullying - How Does Your State Rate

Below are some ratings for each state. What are these ratings for you ask? Well it seems not all things are created equal when it comes to how a particular state approaches the concepts of protecting our children from being abused by other kids and adults while at school.

As you can see state by state there is a hugh difference in how protected our children are. And the number of states that haven't even considered it important enough to have ANY laws when it comes to abuse in the school system is remarkable to me.

An "A" rating means that the laws are strong enough for it to work and make a difference - when they are enforced. The fact that only 21 states are receiving an "A" rating shows an unbelievable attitude of indifference to this problem. If a state is receiving a "B" or "C" rating it means the laws aren't strong enough, and there is still work to be done to make the laws that are on the books strong enough to make a difference.

For example, in 2003 California went from a “D” to a “B” What’s still missing according to Bully Police USA www.bullypolice.org 1) any definitions of bulling and harassment 2) protection against reprisal, retaliation or false accusation, and 3) school district protection against lawsuits upon compliance to policies.

"The school ground bully has been around for too long. His entire success at bullying is predicated upon arrogant disregard to simple decency, and a willingness to brutalize an innocent victim simply because the bully is bigger and stronger and others are afraid to intervene. It is insidious and calls for society and government to intervene decisively. This bullying bill is a start. As you deliberate this bill please reflect on the fact that Government's primary purpose for existence is for the protection of its innocent citizens. ...Then remember your bully as a child."
Congressman Trent Franks (R) Arizona


Now, martial art schools in the past have helped in many ways with this problem, we give Bullying seminars and coaching to kids that are tormented daily, mat chats regularly, and support parents teachers and schools in many different ways. But, it's obvious that the work we are doing is simple iodine, and Band-Aids after the cut has happened. It's not enough, it's not working.

Let's talk, make some plans, and really really go after this problem the way a Black Belt should.

Alaska (A)
Arkansas (A-)
Arizona (A-)
California (B)
Colorado (B)
Connecticut (B-)
Delaware (A++)
Florida (A++)
Georgia (B)
Iowa (A-)
Idaho (A-)
Illinois (C)
Indiana (B+)
Kansas (B)
Kentucky (A++)
Louisiana (C)
Maryland (A++)
Maine (A-)
Minnesota (C-)
Mississippi (C)
Nebraska (B-)
New Hampshire (C)
New Jersey (B+)
New Mexico (B+)
Nevada (B+)
Ohio (A)
Oklahoma (A)
Oregon (A)
Pennsylvania (B+)
South Carolina (A-)
Road Island (A)
Tennessee (A-)
Texas (C-)
Utah (A+)
Virginia (A-)
Vermont (A-)
Washington (A-)
West Virginia (A+)

Flunking because they have no laws
Alabama (F)
Hawaii (F)
Massachusetts (F)
Michigan (F)
Missouri (F)
Montana (F)
North Carolina (F)
North Dakota (F)
New York (F)
South Dakota (F)
Wisconsin (F)
Wyoming (F)